HYDERABAD: In a crackdown on students allegedly causing regular disruptions on campus, the English and Foreign Language University (Eflu) initiated disciplinary action against 11 students for staging protests last month.

Action would include suspension from the hostel and stopping of PhD fellowships for three to six months, varsity officials said.

As per university rules, the proctorial board needs to give students a chance to explain their side of the story. However, students claim the action was initiated without holding a hearing. “The written explanations submitted by us over a show-cause notice were considered as a hearing from our end. The proctorial board should have held a one-on-one session with all of us before it had initiated the action,” said Geo Ciril, a student.

Venting out their anger on social media platforms, the students have called the administration’s decision ‘blatant arrogance’. To clear their stance, the students have sought a meeting with the vice-chancellor on Monday. Although the disciplinary action will be implemented, the students can appeal before the vice-chancellor on the quantum of punishment.

Semester exams in Eflu are scheduled to begin from November 20 onwards. Students assert that initiating disciplinary action just before the exams may hamper their academics. They also alleged that disciplinary action is being taken against those who didn’t participate actively during protests or were not present in the campus on the day of protests.

From a huge pool of 300 students who protested on October 15, students believe that the administration has deliberately targeted and silenced the non-local students. “The administration purposely targeted the non-local students because the proctorial board is aware that they have no backing. The students would have to abide by the action taken by the administration to save their future,” said a research scholar.

Speaking on this issue, Prakash Kona, proctor of Eflu, said the disciplinary action was taken based on the degree of involvement of each student. “Reply on show-cause notice from students was considered as an explanation. The board has the liberty to explore options and seek explanation, whether it is written or a personal interaction,” he said.

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